India Completes Massive Naval Exercise in the Indian Ocean Amid Rising Chinese Maritime Activity

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India has successfully concluded a three-month-long mega naval exercise in the Indian Ocean, which saw the participation of over 65 warships, 10 submarines, and more than 80 aircraft. This extensive exercise took place against the backdrop of China's growing maritime activities in the region.

The operational theatre spanned from the Strait of Hormuz in the West to the Sunda and Lombok Straits in the East. The Indian Navy described the Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX) as a comprehensive operational campaign aimed at assessing its readiness for combat and operational preparedness.

The Navy emphasized that the exercise reaffirmed its commitment to remain a "combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-ready force."

TROPEX involved the participation of 65-70 Indian Naval ships, 9-10 submarines, and more than 80 aircraft. The Navy highlighted that the exercise achieved a high level of operational synergy in planning and execution, collaborating closely with other branches of the military.

The exercise also saw significant involvement from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard, with the deployment of Sukhoi-30 and Jaguar fighter jets, C-130 transport aircraft, flight refuelers, and AWACS aircraft. Over 600 infantry troops and more than 10 Indian Coast Guard ships contributed to the success of the operation.

This extensive exercise not only strengthened the Navy's combat readiness but also showcased the growing capabilities of India’s maritime defense forces in an increasingly complex regional security environment.